Arniston, Cape Agulhas
Once you've booked your Arniston accommodation explore our pages for info on attractions and what to do in Arniston.
Lying on the shores of Marcus Bay, just north-east of Cape Agulhas, is the tranquil little fishing village of Arniston, also known as Waenhuiskrans - ‘wagon shelter cliff’ - after a large low-tide sea cave, eroded in such a way as to resemble the structures used by settlers to house their oxen and wagons.
The name ‘Arniston’ comes from one of the numerous ship wrecks on the area’s jagged coastline. The Arniston sank here in 1815 after the ship, already laden with wounded soldiers on the way from Ceylon to England via Cape Town, decided to cut away its three anchors and run ashore due to heavy winds having destroyed its sails. It broke up on the sharp rocks of the Arniston Reef and only 6 of the original 378 passengers lived to tell of the disaster - one of the worst in South Africa’s history. But the village of Arniston has dispelled its origin of doom, and delights visitors today with its craggy cliffs and the quaint, whitewashed, thatched fishermen’s cottages of Kassiebaai, more than two centuries old and a national monument in its entirety.
Artists and photographers in particular are attracted to Arniston because of its picturesque prettiness, and whilst the cliffs may be dangerous, the rolling sand dunes, golden beaches and intense blue of the sea make Arniston one of the best-kept secrets along the Overberg coast. The coastline is an invitation to long walks and has many examples of spectacular sea erosion with numerous displays of caverns and arches. The coastline is peppered with examples of prehistoric fish traps of the Khoisan strandlopers (beach walkers) who submerged these stone-built enclosures at high tide in a bid to catch fish. Piles of fish bones and shells are all that remain of this vanished people.
De Mond Nature Reserve lies at the mouth of the Heuningnes River, between Arniston and Struisbaai and tends to be regarded as a satellite of the De Hoop Nature Reserve. It supports a number of small mammals, such as grysbok, steenbok and grey duiker as well as the rather illusive caracal. De Mond is ideal for birdwatching and the reserve is particularly important for the protection of the threatened Damara, South Africa’s most endangered coastal bird.
Additional reading
For a first hand review of this delightful seaside resort town, see our article at "Arniston, respite for the soul on the shores of the Overberg" and for more details of the hike to Waenhuiskrans Cave, see "Wading out to Waenhuiskrans Cave - All its cut out to be".
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Arniston Reviews
"The most amazing holiday town. We loved the peace and quiet in Arniston. If you go then visit the De Mond Nature Reserve - beautiful! We did lots of fishing ..." - Cheryl, Dublin
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Arniston
Agulhas National Park
Lying in what is known as the Agulhas Plain at the southernmost tip of Africa is the Agulhas National Park, just 45 kilometres from the popular village of Gansbaai. This might be the meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, but the Agulhas National park’s focus is on some of the most splendid ... more information
Cape Agulhas Wine Estates
The official wine route of Cape Agulhas transports tourists to a charming part of the country and includes the area of Montagu. Although this is a relatively new wine route, its close proximity to other, better-established routes (such as the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley) is mutually beneficial. This ... more information
Cape Agulhas Wine Route
Elim is something of a phenomenon as its unique ‘terroir’ has caused much excitement in the wine community worldwide. The cool and strong winds that prevail - south westerly and south easterly - have the effect of providing a very cool ripening season, perfect for Sauvignon Blanc and promising for ... more information
De Hoop Nature Reserve
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is approximately 34 000 ha in size and one of the largest natural areas managed by Cape Nature Conservation. It is a favourite destination for hikers, cyclists, bird watchers and during the winter and early summer months, whale watchers. The entire length of the De Hoop coast is ... more information
Heuningberg Nature Reserve
If you are in pursuit of the Bredasdorp Lily then a trip to the Heuningberg Nature Reserve, set on the slopes of Heuningberg (Honey Mountain) south east of Bredasdorp, is a good place to start, particularly as the core of the reserve started its life as a wildflower garden. Today the over 800 hectare nature reserve ... more information
Rasperpunt Hiking Trail
More commonly known as the Agulhas walking trail, because it takes place within the Agulhas National Park, the Rasperpunt hike begins just west of the famous Agulhas lighhouse - the reason so many visitors come to L'Agulhas in the first place. Actually the Rasperpunt Hiking Trail is a circular trail that ... more information
Spookdraai Hiking Trail
There is no secret behind the name of this hiking trail at Cape Agulhas. There have been so many shipwrecks along this coastline that even if you do not believe in ghosts (spook) you would have to at least acknowledge the possibility that a fair number of discontented souls may well continue to ... more information
The Whale Trail
The Whale Trail is not a new trail, having been around since about 2002, but it has become extremely popular. Nonetheless, the five-day Whale Hiking trail must be one of South Africa’s greatest selling points. It is truly a unique experience, perhaps comparable with the likes of the Otter Trail that rates as one of the ... more information
Tip of Africa Route
Based on the Overberg Tourism map, the Tip of Africa Route starts in Cape Town, where you take the N2 via Grabouw and Caledon to the pretty town of Napier (make sure to stop off at the Napier Farmstall en route), after which you have a couple of choices - Option One: You can take the R316 to ... more information
Waenhuiskrans Cave
Waenhuiskrans (wagon house cliff) is the highlight of a visit to Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve in Arniston. What makes the Waenhuiskrans Cave so exciting is the low-tide leap-and-a-bit to reach it, over barnacle-encrusted rocks with one's eye on the sea for the odd freak wave ... more information
Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve
Formerly known as Waenhuiskrans until a ship by the name of Arniston was wrecked here, the village is a much sought after holiday residence because of its sea views and stands on a hill overlooking the harbour, approximately 190 kilometres from Cape Town and close enough to Cape Agulhas to claim a share as ... more information
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Things To Do in Arniston
Sterna Hiking Trail
Where: Arniston
How much (per person): On Request
The Sterna Hiking Trail invites visitors to enjoy the unspoilt beauty of Arniston in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The trail it ... more information
Whale Watching in Arniston
Where: Arniston
How much (per person): Free
Whales come to the Arniston coastline each year from April to January, with peak viewing times being in September and October, to calve and ... more information
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Restaurants in Arniston
Arniston Hotel Restaurant
Where: Arniston
The Arniston Spa Hotel's trademark is its selection of local sea fare. Our chef gets his inspiration from the world's largest larder, the sea, and begins his day at the fishing boats. Here the morning ... more information
Willeen’s Arts and Crafts Restaurant
Where: Arniston
Overlooking the beach in Kassiesbaai you'll find this unique and charming eatery / craft shop. Willeen’s started as a shop, offering craftworks and local delicacies but due to demand, the internal wal ... more information
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On Holiday in Arniston
• Arniston Map
• Arniston Photographs
• Arniston Accommodation
• Arniston Hotels
• Cape Agulhas Accommodation
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• Cape Overberg Accommodation
• Cape Overberg Hotels
• Western Cape Accommodation
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